Chapter 24: An Understanding.

In front of the Heartland City Museum the Duel between Drake and Kite was reaching a peak as it pulled a large crowd of spectators from the museums visitors and passing foot traffic.

[Turn 5 - Kite LP:4000 Hand:1, Drake LP:3600 Hand:1]

"Next I activate <Rank-Up-Magic Cipher Ascension>! This takes my dragon to the next level, behold <Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon>!"

[Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon – Rank 9 ATK:4500/DEF:3000 OU:1]

Much like how Drakes own ultimate dragon was a three headed version of his Blue-Eyes, this was a three headed version of Kites Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon, one main head and two on its shoulders. Kite seemed proud of the power his dragon commanded, and he had good reason to be.

All around them spectators watching the duel were cheering the two duellists on, this may be the World Duel Carnival with duels happening on practically every other street, but a duel of this calibre between such legendary monsters was a rare treat to witness in these preliminary stages.

"Thanks to the additional effect of my Cipher Ascension my Dragon also gains 500 ATK for each level 4 or high monster I control. So thanks to my Galaxy Dragon it now gains 500 ATK."

[Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon – ATK:4500 > 5000]

That meant that Kite now had two monsters with 5000 ATK, his new Neo Galaxy-Eyes and his Galaxy Dragon that was still under a 3000 ATK boost thanks to Kites Lumenize trap until the end of this turn.

[Galaxy Dragon – Lv4 ATK:5000/DEF:1200]

"Next I will use my dragons special ability, by using its Overlay Unit I can take control of one of your monsters. Go Cipher Super Subjection! And take control of Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon!"

[Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon – OU: 1 > 0]

*ROAR!*

With a mighty roar Kites dragon swallowed its sole Overlay Unit and infused its rainbow wings with its power. This brilliant light wrapped around Drakes Azure-Eyes and pulled it to Kites side of the field before it transformed into a duplicate of Kites Neo Galaxy-Eyes.

"Not only do I steal your dragon for this turn but it also becomes a copy of my beast, changings its name and ATK to match my dragon."

[Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon > *Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon – ATK:4500]

The crowd cheered in appreciation at seeing Kite field three monsters with over 4000 ATK at once.

"While your dragon has changed quite a bit it still keeps its level, so since I control another monster level 4 or higher, my original Neo Galaxy-Eyes gains another 500 ATK thanks to the ability it gained from Cipher Ascension."

[Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon –ATK:5000 > 5500]

"Because I used Neo Galaxy-Eyes ability I can only attack you directly with my original Neo Galaxy-Eyes, so I will first attack your Twin Burst with Galaxy Dragon! And its effect not only negates your monsters abilities, it also gains 1000 ATK, giving my dragon 6000 ATK this battle!"

[GD ATK:5000 > 6000 > BETBD ATK:3000 – Drake LP > 600]

"And with your defence gone I can attack you directly, go Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon end this with Cipher Stream of Devastation!"

"Not so fast!"

A brilliant soft white light lit the field after Drake activated his trap card!

"Go <Double Dragon Descent> This trap activates when a Xyz monster you control declares a Direct attack, with it I can special summon a Xyz light attribute dragon from my extra deck in attack mode and I redirect your attack to it instead! So come forth <Blue-Eyes Starlight Dragon>! And not only that but my dragons attack points now becomes equal to that of the attacking monster! Go Starlightning!"

[Blue-Eyes Starlight Dragon – Rank 8 ATK:3000 > 5500/DEF:2500 OU:0]

*ROAR!*

Drakes four winged dragon roared in defiance as it descended to the field, bathing the field in its gentle white glow as it interposed itself between Drake and Kites monster with unyielding determination.

Drakes supporters in the watching crowd cheered in support at this sudden reversal of fortune.

[NGECD ATK:5500 > BESD ATK:5500]

As Kites Neo Galaxy-Eyes three heads blasted out a triple stream of cosmic energy, Drakes Starlight Dragon countered with a might blast of it white/black lightning. The resulting explosion as the two forces collided engulfed both monsters in terrifying energy.

"That means both our monster are destroy!" cried Kite in frustration.

Drakes field was again empty, but that didn't matter.

"That's right and my stolen Azure-Eyes cannot attack me directly."

"Which means I can only end my turn…" mumbled Kite.

"That's right! At which point my Silver Dragon returns to me in its original form, also your Galaxy Dragons ATK now returns to its original 2000!"

[*Neo Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon – ATK:4500 > Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon – ATK:2500, Galaxy Dragon ATK:5000 > 2000]

[Turn 6 - Drake LP:600 Hand:1, Kite LP:4000 Hand:0]

The cheering crowds were driven even more wild as the duel continued to intensify and news spread across the various social media sites. Although Drake did a lot of low key duelling during his investigations, his famous usage of the rare and legendary Blue-Eyes monsters had earned him a small, almost cult like, following of duel supporters.

"I draw! Now my Silver Dragons ability once again revives my Blue-Eyes from the grave."

[Blue-Eyes White Dragon – Lv8 ATK:3000/DEF:2500]

Drakes mighty white dragon returned to the field again, giving Drake two dragons and a single face down.

"I play <Advance Draw>! With this spell, by sacrificing my Azure-Eyes Dragon, I get to draw two more cards."

Several members of the crowd called Drake an idiot for getting rid a monster that could continually revive his Blue-Eyes but he paid them no mind. Looking at the cards he drew Drake could almost feel the hands of fate at work.

"Next I activate the spell <Ultimate Cosplay!> I can use this spell by targeting one monster I control that is listed as a fusion material on a fusion monster in my extra deck and then I reveal that fusion monster. So targeting my Blue-Eyes allows me to reveal the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon in my extra deck. Now my spells effect changes my dragons name and effect to the monster I just revealed, Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"

[Blue-Eyes White Dragon > Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]

The illusionary image of Drakes Ultimate Dragon appeared around the Blue-Eyes White Dragon before transforming into a bright white light that blocked the dragon from view. Then it faded to reveal Drakes monster now clad in cosplay costume in the form of two cardboard ultimate dragon heads and a crown crest for its own head.

"But that monster has no abilities, why go to all that trouble just to change you monsters name? Unless-!"

"That's right! I tribute my Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon to special summon <Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon>! I'm glad you remembered him because I'm not the only one that wanted another chance at you, my Shining Dragon wants a piece too! And here it comes!"

[Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon - Lv10 ATK:3000/DEF:2500]

Drakes Blue-Eyes began to crack apart, spilling out a blinding white and blue light from within its body, before it exploded like a miniature supernova to reveal the mighty Shining Dragon, clad in its silvery white metal armour. Its eyes and giant blue gems radiating a bright neon light.

"You remember my Dragons abilities right? Go Shining Burst! For each dragon in my Grave my monster now gains 300 ATK. Were you keeping count? Let me help you, there are 8 dragons in my graveyard which means Shining Dragon gains 2400 ATK!"

[Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon - ATK:3000 > 5400]

White Stone of Ancients, White Stone of Legend, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, Blue-Eyes Solid Dragon, Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon, Blue-Eyes Starlight Dragon and Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon. The phantom images of each of Drakes dragons appeared and were absorbed into the burning blue jewel at the centre of Blue-Eyes Shining Dragons chest, infusing it with incredible power.

"Now I attack your Galaxy Dragon! Shining Neutron Blast! And thanks to Shining Dragons 'Shining Diffusion' your dragon can't negate the effects of my dragon."

[BESD ATK:5400 > GD ATK:2000>3000 - Kite LP > 1600]

As Blue-Eyes Shining dragon clad itself in its protective aura of light particles it blasted Kites monsters into dust with a huge stream of violent energy strong enough to knock Kite onto his back.

"That's not enough to finish me!" Kite cried as he stood back up.

"But this will be! I activate my last face down <Dragons Rebirth>! I banish my Shining Dragon to once more special summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon from the Grave!"

A pillar of flame engulfed Drakes dragon before being blasted apart from within and revealing Drakes signature monster reborn.

[Blue-Eyes White Dragon – Lv8 ATK:3000/DEF:2500]

*ROAR!!*

Drake could have ended this a number of different monsters, but he could not help but choose his go to favourite. The Legendary White Beast of Destruction, the dragon said to represent absolute power.

"I… lost..." Kite realised it was all over.

"Yes you have. Go Blue-Eyes White Dragon and end this duel with your White Lightning!!!"

*ROAR!*

[BEWD ATK:3000 – Kite LP > 0]

Blue-Eyes blasted out with its mighty lightning breath and wiped out the last of Kites Life Points.

<<DRAKE WINS>>

Walking over to the fallen Kite, Drake offered a helping hand to pick him up under the claps and cheers of the audience. While the cards they had both used in the duel had been powerful, neither of them had used Number Cards or similar mystical cards such as the Seal, so the actual damage they both suffered was little more than a few scratches.

Refusing the offered hand Kite stood on his own.

"Fine, you win this time. What do you want to know?" he asked Drake.

"Follow me" Drake replied and led Kite into the museum's Café, stopping only couple of times to sign autographs when a few of his fans gathered their courage to ask.

Although Drake had won the duel and won all the information Kite had on New Order he didn't plan to be stingy with his own information. But he also didn't want everything he knew to be overheard or passed back to Dr Faker. Not when New Order had infiltrated his organisation.

But considering the amount of tech Faker had probably deck Kite out with Drake wasn't going to rule out the presence of hidden spyware. Which meant there was only one way the two of them could have a truly private conversation.

Ordering a private booth the two duellists sat down and placed an order with the waitress.

"Look into my eyes." Drake told Kite, immediately realising that what he said could be taken completely the wrong way, he was glad no one else was close by.

"What?!" Kite asked giving Drake a strange look. Where had this come from?

"Its not like that! Just do it!" Drake snapped.

Making eye contact with Kite, Drake activated the power of his Dragons Eye and pulled both of their consciousness into his inner mental world. For a private conversation there really was no better place.

Kite felt his vision go black for a second and the next thing he knew, he was standing in front of gigantic castle in the middle of a forest in the middle of who knows where.

"Where are we? How..?" Kite asked Drake who was standing next to him.

"Don't worry, we haven't left the Café. This is a mental construct in my mind. None of this is really here, but we can talk without worrying about what others may hear." Drake explained while demonstrating the illusionary nature of the world around them by transforming a stone he picked off the floor into a flower, a hat, then a rat and letting it scurry off.

"Come on in." Drake said as he opened the castles great doors with a thought and led Kite inside.

"So what? Our bodies are just sitting in that booth like dummies?" Kite asked in concern.

"Don't worry, thoughts are much faster than reality, hours here would be mere minutes outside. Not that I can keep your mind here for that long anyway."

Drake led Kite to the dragons shrine, its large cathedral like grandeur aweing even the scornful Number Hunter to silence. Fortunately Critias was currently out, stretching his mental wings outside in the recreation of the Domain of the Beasts, otherwise Drake wasn't sure how Kite would react to the Legendary Dragon.

With a wave of his hand Drake created several chairs and sofas for Kite to choose from. The two of them then go down to talking about New Order.

Kite told Drake everything he knew about New Order, how he had spied on Drakes duel with Hopkirk, about the mysterious energy readings his father had been researching during the carnival, about New Orders attack on the Black Elite base last night. He told Drake about what had happened to Dextra, about Shark having joined New Order and everything else he knew or learned through reading his father's confidential files.

With a little coaching Kite was even able to project his own memories of his duel with Shark like a personal movie for Drake to watch. In exchange Drake told Kite practically every he knew as well, while he did keep some secrets, as well as how he knew such secrets, from Kite.

He also mocked the hunter for a serious misplay, when he had taken control of Shark Drake with Cipher Dragon he could have traded it for his Cipher Blade dragon or Full Armor, depriving Shark of his monster from the start.

Kite couldn't do that in his duel against Drake because Drakes monster hadn't been an Xyz monster but that didn't apply to Shark Drake.

Kite shrugged the criticism off as still being unfamiliar with his new cards and how they combo together. Drake let it slide, it wasn't important now.

Drake didn't tell Kite that he was from another world, or about Critias and the other Legendary Dragons. After all, even if both of them were enemies of the Orichalcos, Drake had allied himself with Yuma and Astral while Kite and his father were trying to destroy Astral World. Ultimately they were still on different sides of a war.

Drake still needed some time to reflect on what he had learned. And about Shark. So he turned the conversation to Astral World.

"Why is your father attacking Astral World?"

"You know about that?! Of course! You are living with the Original Number after all."

"Is it to do with your brother?" Drake pushed. He needed to confirm what the situation was exactly.

"How did you-!" Kite asked in shock.

"A little research and a little guesswork based on what happened to end our first duel." Drake deflected.

Kite looked troubled as he considered how much he was willing to trust someone he had only met twice. Kite was surprised at just how far he did seem to trust Drake.

"Fine… My brother has been inflicted with a strange illness for the last 4 years. Even with all my fathers science he could find no cure, then 2 years ago he was approached with an offer. Harts cure for the destruction of Astral World."

"From Barian World?"

"You even know about Barian World?! How? Astral clearly didn't know about them when we last fought"

"Trade secret." Replied Drake, he already knew that Kite knew about Astral and his condition from Yuma and Astral themselves.

Kite chalked Drakes knowledge up to Astral having recovered more of his memories along with the Numbers Cards the duo had acquired since their last duel.

"Humph… Yes, my father said the offer came from Barian World."

"And you are sure they can deliver on that promise? Destroying a world can't exactly be undone after all."

"We are not stupid! They gave us a sample cure, Hart's condition improved drastically for almost a month." Kite remembered the hope that had been ignited in that one month period. Even if Barian World was keeping something back, that improvement was something that his father had failed to achieve or even come close to in four years.

Unfortunately the sample had been too small for Dr Faker to analyse properly otherwise everything that happened after would have been unnecessary.

"Just how did Barian World contact your father anyway?" Drake was curious. Last night when the barriers between worlds was thin, he had sensed Astral World quite clearly, he had even had a sense the world of the duel spirits but he had no impression of Barian world at that time. And according to what Kite had told him about the legends of the ancient Barian/Astral War, after Astral World had won, Barian World had been sealed away. Was that Seal now broken or weakening?

"I don't know. Only my father knows."

"Could you get me in to see your brother?" Drake suddenly asked.

"Absolutely not! You are connected to the Original Number and as far as Heartland can discover your whole identity is a fake. Forget about my father, even I wouldn't trust you enough to let you get anywhere near Hart."

"Fine, fine." Drake knew he was asking too much with that request.

"Why would you want to anyway?" Kite asked suspiciously.

"I wanted to find out if I can help your brother in anyway."

"What! You think you can cure him?!"

"Calm down. How could I know that without seeing him? I just thought that on the off chance that I could do something for Hart then you wouldn't have any reason to attack Astral World any more. Then we could focus on the threat of New Order."

"You think Astral World would just forgive my father what he has done to them so easily?" Kite asked in scorn.

He was probably right Drake thought. Even if Faker stopped his attack right now, it was unlikely that Astral World would just forgive and forget the slaughter that had already happened.

"…What a mess."

Further conversation was interrupted as a wind blew in from the open great window and Kite was stunned as a massive dragon with greyish blue scales flew in and landed on the large central platform. Great...

"Allow me to introduce you, Kite this is Critias, Critias this is the Number Hunter Kite. So Kite, concerning New Order do we have an understanding?"